By Jess Kenley

Brandon Chilson of Albatross Golf Sims, is a local entrepreneur with a passion for both sports and community. Inside the doors, one can look toward the state-of-the-art golf simulators lining the walls of his new business in town.

Opened in early February after months of logistical delays — “Our goal was actually to be open in, like, November, December of last year, right? Logistics kind of held us back by a few months. So that’s why we didn’t open until February,” admits the owner — this facility is more than just another entertainment venue. It’s an answer to the winter doldrums for a town that craves activities even as the cold bites.

“Obviously, it’s more of a seasonal business, just because people obviously golf at the golf course,” Brandon explains. “But, you know, the goal of this place was to… there’s a lot of people in the area that golf, and we’re just kind of hoping [it’ll pick up]… as people get acclimated to the idea that we’re here, right?.”

The facility boasts two luxurious bays and over 300 courses, both real and fantasy, thanks to cutting-edge TrackMan technology. “TrackMan is like one of the top — it’s like the top, yeah, simulator in the business,” the owner says, pride clear in his voice. “You can do anything from miniature golf… there’s games for kids, all the stuff.”

But what distinguishes this space isn’t just the technology. It’s a palpable desire to make golf accessible to everyone — especially newcomers who may have felt unwelcome at traditional courses. “Some people don’t like going to the course, simply because of feeling… judged, right?” the owner reflects, keenly aware of the hurdles that keep fresh faces from embracing the game. “A lot of people, they want to try the game out without feeling like they need to be good, right?”

The conversation turns to personal experiences. The owner shares, “I went with my wife to a golf thing with a couple of her friends last year over in Smethport… It was like their first time golfing… we got, like, two or three holes in, and one of the people… I don’t know if he was the owner or if he just thought he had some pull… was like, you know, you’re only supposed to have four people in a group at once.” The experience soured the outing for several first-timers. “It ruins the experience, you know — like, what does it matter?”

Determined to avoid such exclusivity, Brandon’s facility is fully equipped — “If you wanted to come in and you didn’t have any clubs, anything… you could play,” he assures. “Even if you’re a beginner, you can do this.”

The facility’s community roots run deep. “I was born and raised here in town. My father and mother too…” Small-town connections surface quickly; family, high school wrestling, and local sports weave their way into the conversation. “I was the wrestling coach. Remember?” a guest chimes in, evoking recollections and laughter.

More than just a business, this new facility is quickly becoming a gathering place for all ages and backgrounds — a space where technology, tradition, and community intersect. “There’s a bunch of stuff you can do on here… all the stuff, for kids, families, everyone, and it’s even BYOB” Brandon says, eyes on the future.

In a town eager for both recreation and connection, Brandon’s venture looks set to hit a hole in one.